War in Israel – Diplomatic sources: Greece explores humanitarian sea corridor for Gaza
French President Emmanuel Macron had also referred to this plan at the European Council on Friday
According to diplomatic sources, Greece is investigating the possibility of creating a humanitarian sea corridor for the transport of essential goods to Gaza, as “from the first moment it has emphasized the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis in the region”.
For this plan, which is operationally complex – and which was referred to by French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday – the Greek government is discussing with those directly concerned, as well as with European partners and international organizations.
Macron’s plan
The role of the Cyprus base for an international humanitarian corridor for Gaza was revealed in Brussels after the EU Summit. French President Emmanuel Macron, stressing that Greece will also play a role in this project.
The French president, who has repeatedly in recent days referred to the need for initiatives to prevent a humanitarian crisis, said a humanitarian coalition was being prepared by several European countries, notably Cyprus, which would serve as an air base for this “maritime humanitarian corridor”. .
“French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after a European Union summit in Brussels, said several European countries are looking to build up a “humanitarian coalition” regarding Gaza and talks were being held with Cyprus and Greece over this.” https://t.co/9TcCa8lC0N
— David Soiza (@SoizaDavid) October 28, 2023
Initial contact made
Macron stated that he already had the first consultations with the Cypriot president Nikos Christodoulidis and is in close contact with Greece as well as all European partners who will decide to participate in the specific operations. However, he clarified that there should be a so-called humanitarian truce both for the protection of civilians and for the success of efforts to free the hostages.
Answering questions from journalists, the French president said that the first goal is to send medicines and support by sea and air and in cooperation with the Israeli authorities, the United Nations and Egypt to organize the provision of humanitarian support on land, even along the coasts and for this reason the role of Cyprus, which is the closest member state in the region, is important to facilitate either the transport of the injured or the dispatch of food and essential items.
On Thursday, the floating hospital “Tonnerre” of the French navy departed from Toulon, bound for the maritime area off Gaza, with the aim of assisting as soon as conditions permit in supporting Gaza hospitals for the treatment of the wounded.
Tonnerre is a 199-meter-long Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carrier capable of conducting crisis management, patient transport and medical support operations by amphibious and airborne means.
In Cyprus, meanwhile, it became known that teams from 19 states have rushed to prepare in coordination with the Cypriot authorities for all scenarios, including the release from Israel and Lebanon and the wider region of tens of thousands of people. These groups have been installed at the “Zino” Coordination Center in Larnaca, but also at the “Andreas Papandreou” base in Paphos.